ARKANSAS WINNERS OF THE 2020-2021 #ARKIDSCANCODE ENROLLMENT CONTEST - Arkansas Department of Education
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February 2021 Monthly Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 8
COMPUTER SCIENCE
in
ARKANSAS
WINNERS OF THE 2020-2021
#ARKIDSCANCODE ENROLLMENT CONTEST
Winners are recognized in the following categories:
Schools with fewer than 1,000 students:
Greenwood Freshman Academy, Greenwood, will receive
$10,000 for having the highest number and highest percentage
of students enrolled in computer science courses.
Blevins High School, Blevins, will receive $5,000 for having
the largest percentage increase of students enrolled in
computer science courses.
Schools with 1,000 or more students:
Arkansas High School, Texarkana, will receive $5,000 for having the highest percentage
of students enrolled in computer science courses.
Bentonville High School, Bentonville, will receive $5,000 for having the highest
number of students enrolled in computer science classes.
Siloam Springs High School Conversion Charter, Siloam Springs, will receive $5,000
for having the largest percentage increase of students enrolled in computer science
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In addition, Annie Camp Jr. High School, Jonesboro, won the random drawing prize package
worth $5,000 that was announced in 2020. The school can use the grant to support future
growth of computer science classes. Schools received entries in this random drawing for their
high enrollment percentages, growth in overall computer science enrollment, as well as high
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ARKANSAS AP CS A
INCENTIVE AWARDS ANNOUNCED
The Arkansas Department of Education announced the awarding of $118,700 to students and schools
under its Arkansas Advanced Placement Computer Science A Incentive Program. The purpose of the
incentive program is to increase the number of qualifying scores (3, 4, or 5) on Advanced Placement
Computer Science A exams. For the 2019-20 school year, the third year of this incentive program, 179
students and 36 Arkansas schools qualified for the awards.
The schools representing the top ten amounts awarded under this program are:
Fayetteville High School - $12,800
Bentonville West High School - $11,350
Haas Hall Academy, Fayetteville - $10,100
Bentonville High School - $8,550
Valley View High School - $6,750
eStem High School, Little Rock - $6,200
Central High School, Little Rock - $6,060
Southside High School, Fort Smith - $5,500
Conway High School - $4,850
Har-Ber High School, Springdale - $4,350
“Schools, both large and small, around the state have embraced the Arkansas Computer Science initiative,
as demonstrated by strong student achievement on Advanced Placement exams and enrollment increases
in computer science classes,” ADE Secretary Johnny Key said. “I encourage students and educators to
embrace the countless computer science learning opportunities that build essential academic and
workforce skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Under this program, announced here, http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?Id=4152,
Arkansas public school students and schools were eligible to receive a monetary incentive when the
student earned one computer science credit for successfully completing an AP Computer Science A
course and received a qualifying score on the AP exam taken between August 1, 2019, and May 30, 2020.
The tiered rewards are as follows:
For a qualifying score of 5 on the AP Computer
Science A exam, an Arkansas public school
student received $1,000, with the school
receiving $250.
For a qualifying score of 4 on the AP Computer
Science A exam, an Arkansas public school
student received $750, with the school receiving
$150.
For a qualifying score of 3 on the AP Computer
Science A exam, an Arkansas public school
student received $250, with the school receiving
$50.
For more information visit: https://bit.ly/3p1uXDp
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month! Did you know that
nationally only 3% of Black students learn computer science in
high school or beyond.
Inspire or encourage a student to try computer science, and let
them know they belong.
Code.org released the following video in honor of Black
History Month. Please watch and share: http://bit.ly/CTF2021
Together we can change the face of computer science.
RAYE JEAN MONTAGUE
Raye Jean Montague, dubbed an "Arkansas Hidden Figure," is remembered for her roll in
shattering glass ceilings in both the Navy and computer science.
Born in Little Rock, Montague took a trip to see a submarine,
and was enchanted. Though denied a place in an engineering
program based on her race, Montague kept fighting for her
education. Reportedly hired as a typist, Montague began her
climb by learning how to use the machines the engineers near
her were using. She would eventually not only to learn these
machines, but to design the first Navy ship on a computer. It's
worth mentioning that she was given a month, and had it
Jim Cunningham, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
completed in less than 19 hours.
Montague passed in Little Rock in 2018, but her legacy remains. For more information, you may
visit her entry in the Encyclopedia of Arkansas or read about her life in her new biography
authored by her son David Montague.
https://advocacy
.code.org/stateo
fcs
TEACHER RESOURCES
For Black History Month, some Arkansas computer science educators set up a folder that
contains activities and information on how to celebrate black computer scientists in the
classroom, from Raye Jean Montague, an Arkansas engineer, to Mae C. Jemison, the first African
American woman to travel in space. The folder can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/2YY4mg7
The CSforAR team invites educators to share resources and success stories this month on the
ARKidsCanCode listserv.
COMPUTER SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT
In the upcoming months, the CSforAR team is pleased to introduce Arkansas
Department of Education (ADE) State Board of Education (SBE) members.
Dr. Sarah Moore was appointed to the State Board of Education in July 2018 by
Governor Hutchinson. Moore taught elementary school in the Stuttgart School District
and then worked in the Office for Education Policy at the University of Arkansas.
Moore was a member of the Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force (CSCTF)
on the Education subcommittee and said the following about the work the task force
accomplished, "The CSCTF was an impressive group of individuals that studied CS in
K-12, Higher Education, and business/industry thoroughly from all angles. The
recommendations that came out of the CSCTF are going to impact students and
Arkansas' businesses for years to come."
"As CS education will reach more students and cover more issues in CS, we can expect a
new generation of students that have a much better understanding of the technology
around them and likely will use that knowledge to better the world."
Prior to her time on the State Board, Moore served as the education policy advisor to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, focusing on
K-12 education issues, including the Computer Science Initiative. In this role, she saw firsthand that Arkansas' students
will be better prepared for their future and will exceed when provided high-quality opportunities, such as computer
science.
Prior to Governor Hutchinson's initiative, very few students had access to computer science courses in the state; and now,
due to the initiative and hard work of many dedicated teachers across the state, thousands of students are gaining
knowledge and skills in computer science that will serve themselves and our state well.
OWEN RECEIVES PATRIOT AWARD
Eli McRae is a member of Arkansas Air National Guard and the 223rd Cyber Operations Squadron at Little Rock
Air Force Base where he teaches Offensive and Defensive Cyber Operations. In addition, Eli is a computer science
specialist for the CSforAR team and works tirelessly to support the Computer Science Initiative.
McRae nominated Anthony Owen, State Director of Computer Science, to receive an Employer Support for Guard
and Reserve Patriot Award. The award is for employers or supervisors who go above and beyond to support
members of the National Guard and Reserve components of the armed services.
https://advocacy
.code.org/stateo
fcs
McRae stated, “I am not a traditional K-12 educator and I live in Fort Smith. Anthony initially hired me as the
Wilbur Educational Cooperative’s CS Specialist. There were a lot of opportunities for things not to work out.
However, because of Anthony’s leadership—along with the team of computer science specialists he has worked to
build—I was given a chance. I am genuinely proud to be among them.”
McRae presented this award to Owen on Friday, February 5, 2021 via zoom with representation from the
Governor’s Office and leadership from ADE.
Over the next couple of newsletters, the CSforAR Team will be highlighting a book public school libraries received from CS Ed Week 2020.
BOOK HIGHLIGHT: DOLL-E 1.0
#ARKIDSCANCODE / #RISEARKANSAS
The CSforAR Team reached out to librarians and educators to see what they had to say about Doll-E 1.0, a book written by
Shanda McCloskey and sent to every Arkansas K-8 librarian. Here is what some had to say!
“Doll-E 1.0 is a fresh story about a modern, techie girl finding magic in an old-fashioned toy. It's a perfect accompaniment
or introduction to STEM activities. While the title might be confusing for young readers, they will relate to Charlotte's
imagination and need to make that old toy "do" something.
For younger grades, K-2, for example, introduce the book by having students interact with reading buddies/stuffed animals
for a few minutes. Ask them what their buddies "said," or what they think their buddies would say if they could talk. Record
answers on the board/chart paper.
If available, show students a talking doll. (Some may be unaware of this type of toy.) Ask them what that type of toy is
called. Replies may include "doll." Ask them if they have toy dolls or "dollies" and show the book title. Explain how 1.0
usually means first generation or first edition, etc.
After reading, ask students to recall what they wanted their buddies to say and see if they have any changes or new ideas.
(Begin lesson for grades 3-5 with this question.) Ask students if they prefer talking vs quiet toys. Graph the answers.
Ask students to "write code" for steps to get Doll E to speak, at least 3 steps. Accept rudimentary or inaccurate attempts as a
good starting point. Ask students to consider other toys they might like to activate in some way and what they would have
the toys do/say. Ask students to brainstorm a list of equipment/methods they might need to accomplish something similar
to what Charlotte did. If Makey Makey equipment is available, show a preview video and provide time to tinker. (Some
may choose to start the lesson with a video of Makey Makey equipment to connect to the illustrations). If STEM equipment
is available, provide time to tinker.
Extension: Ask students how they think Charlotte's dog got his name. Demonstrate air pod, cordless speakers, roomba, or
other Bluetooth tech.” - submited by Darby Wallace
“One of my students read this book as soon as it was put on the shelf for students. She was excited to review it. This is
what she reported:
"I like this really cute book. It's about having your own personality instead of just being like everyone else. Charlotte, in the story,
turns a doll into something she likes. I also like that the pictures are full of detail." - Ella B., 5th Grade, Norphlet Middle School
"I did an online art project when we were virtual, that I feel would go right along with this book! The students were asked
to make a wish list of the many ideas of tools they would like to have if they were a robot. After making the list, they traced
their hand/forearm and included by drawing/writing the items on their wish list.” - submitted by Melody Morgan,
Norphlet Elem./Middle School Library Media Specialist
TEACHERS REPORT ON CS ED WEEK 2020 Computer Science Education Week 2020 was a huge success around our state, and the CSforAR Team asked to feature some educators and schools that may have gone above and beyond during CS Ed Week! See below to see how some educators and students celebrated CS Ed Week 2020. Karma Turner, Lake Hamilton High School “On Tuesday, December 8, students in 8-12th grade completed an Hour of Code and filled out an exit survey. “On Wednesday, December 9, students in 8th-12th grade voted for the “People’s Choice” award for the 8th grade mobile app competition. The top 4 apps developers received a Sphero mini. And the culminating event on Thursday, December 10, students viewed a live In-Flight 20- minute conversation with Expedition 64 astronauts aboard the International Space Station! “On Friday, December 11, Lake Hamilton CS Honor Society members judged the first mobile apps built by the 7th grade coding classes. The top 3 app developers received a sphero mini. Points were awarded for completing activities throughout the week. Donut party was awarded to participants in the top two 3rd period classes. These events were sponsored by our Computer Science Honor Society.” Jessica Talley, Magnolia East Side Elementary “Magnolia East Side and Kindergarten students got to experience CS Week 2020 and the week after with several online coding activities! "Mrs. Talley’s theme was simply holiday-related this year. It all started out by “tutoring” Mrs. Talley with code.org lessons and then moved into student-led Grinch Hour of Code on the school’s celebrated Grinch Day. It was impressive how many Grinches made their way through all 20 sections to create their own game at the end. "As it got closer and closer to Christmas, Mrs. Talley’s youngsters practiced their coding again individually with Google’s Santa Tracker website, specifically Code Lab and Code Boogie. There were all kinds of dancing and movement going on that week as students mimicked their elves’ freestyle dances and gift pickup. The fun of coding of course continues all year long with other robotics lessons and more code.org, but CS week always gives us fond memories to look back on.” Monica Mobley, Science/STEM Specialist, Northcentral AR Education Service Cooperative “The Northcentral Co-op held its first annual "Hour of Code'' competition. All districts K-12 were invited to participate, with the title, "Codemaster 2021" up for grabs at the grade, school, and district levels. Part of our initiative here at NAESC is to get students started in computer science beginning in the early grades, so we were especially pleased to have over 175 first and second grade students from Nelson-Wilks-Herron Elementary in Mountain Home to participate. "Additionally, one of our smaller schools, Izard County Consolidated Elementary won the district title for having almost all of their third and fourth grade students participate. We hope to have even more schools participating in our Hour of Code "Codemaster'' competition next year. Thank you to our Districts for recognizing the importance of computer science literacy in modern society. "NWH posted images of the NWH Elementary students on their Facebook page as well. I am also posting Eagle Mountain Elementary, who had the most 5th grade students participating, though they also had good showings with their 3rd and 4th grade students.”
ASMSA CS PRAXIS BOOT CAMP Educators preparing for the computer science Praxis are invited to apply for a three-day CS Praxis "Boot Camp" to be held March 5 - 7, 2021, at ASMSA in Hot Springs. Participants may choose to join remotely or face-to-face. Housing, meals, and materials will be provided at no cost to face-to-face participants, though space is limited for this grant-funded opportunity. Educators will be responsible for their own transportation to and from ASMSA and the registration cost for the Praxis exam. Daniel Moix, Director of STEM Pathways at ASMSA, said the following regarding the program: “This will be our first year to conduct a hybrid workshop, with some participants on-site and others joining remotely. Last year’s pivot to virtual meetings went well, but we want to serve those who learn best in-person as well as those who cannot travel yet. We have invested considerable time developing interactive resources that will be useful to all participants, regardless of their location.” The workshop makes use of an online platform that presents instructional content alongside interactive exercises. Participants can use this online platform to practice individual topics they are just learning or still mastering. "In addition to the three-day Praxis workshop in March, ASMSA offers year-long support to schools who would like assistance offering Computer Science Year 1 and Computer Science Year 2. Moix said, “What sets Coding Arkansas' Future apart from organizations that only provide curriculum or digital learning services is our emphasis on teacher empowerment. While our program includes a curriculum designed around Arkansas standards and leverages digital learning technologies, our focus is on growing the community of Computer Science teachers in the state.” Maggie Strain, a teacher from Heber Springs High School said, “This past April, I participated in the CS Praxis Boot Camp online. This was early on in the pandemic soft shutdown, so I know they had to adjust their plans rapidly. True to my prior experiences with the ASMSA-related group of CS specialists, the training was really good! Everyone taking the training had taught the course, so we were able to focus on some of the trickier concepts covered by the CS Praxis exam. The explanations were clear, they created an environment where we felt comfortable asking "dumb" questions, and I passed with a score well above the cutoff!” Strain participates in the ASMSA Computer Science Plus program and is utilizing the full suite of curriculum and support this year. To register for the three-day CS Praxis Boot Camp in March, please complete the Google Form linked below: bit.ly/3p8aSLQ To learn more about the Computer Science Plus program, which includes a full year of curriculum, remote support, and professional development, see this document: http://bit.ly/3rMqTsJ Please send all questions to Daniel Moix at moixd@asmsa.org.
TECHNOLOGY STUDENT
ASSOCIATION
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is in need of judges for the Arkansas TSA State
Conference. The state conference will consist of 45 events for Arkansas middle school and
high school students to compete.
There will be two opportunities for judging events. Some events have preliminary
submissions that will need to be scored. This can be done electronically asynchronously
between March 31 and April 7. Students who make it to the semifinal rounds will join
scheduled zooms calls with judges on April 15 -16.
If you are a professional, teacher or an interested adult, check out the list of events and
consider being one of our judges.
The Call to Judges information document found at https://bit.ly/ARTSAJUDGES, will
provide additional information about TSA, the State Conference, and how you can help.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL
SfLG_HEuRd8k0GwDhfvn4FCTz76_KtAbbr6
HJwRI-LKKROtIg/viewform
Arkansas TSA State Officers, after just being sworn in at the (pre-Covid) 2020 State Conference
UPCOMING #CSFORAR
TRAINING COFFEE CAFE
bit.ly/CSforARPD bit.ly/ARCSCoffee
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February 2021
Issue 8
#ARKidsCanCode #CSforAR
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